How does mold affect lung health
People sensitive to mold suffer from nasal congestion, eye irritation, or severe allergies with more severe reactions and are probably not associated with their presence
Other symptoms that mold affects our health can be asthma, recurrent constipation, chest infections, difficulty breathing, rhinitis, among others
The most vulnerable sector are people with lung diseases, babies, children, the elderly and those with weaker immune systems are more at risk of getting sick due to moldy and humid environments
To protect ourselves from mold, the first step is to get rid of the humidity, then we will look for the cause that causes it and eliminate it
Providing good ventilation will help renew the air and free it from the floating spores in it. Avoiding drying clothes indoors and using a dehumidifier will help reduce the amount of moisture in the indoor air. Maintaining an adequate indoor temperature will improve steam and humidity levels inside the home
When solving the humidity problem the next step is to clean the mold that is in sight. We have to use suitable products for this, work in a ventilated space, since spores are released into the air, in addition, we ourselves must protect ourselves not to inhale them. After visible mold colonies are removed, all surfaces in the room should be cleaned to remove spores well. All affected items or surfaces will be disinfected and if possible replaced
Protect yourself from mold and moisture
These little black spots that we find in the bathrooms, in the corners or even on the wall are mold fungi that choose humid places to grow and develop
These tiny organisms are propagated and reproduced by spores, which released into the air are harmful to human health. Mold spores constantly float through the air and it is almost impossible to completely remove them from the interior of buildings, where they can remain germinating for years. If we are in the presence of a mold colony, it is surely a space with excess humidity, poor ventilation and / or lack of sunlight
Symptoms of mold exposure
Symptoms of mold exposure can include
- Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness
- Cough
- Throat irritation
- Sneezing / Sneezing fits
Health effects linking to asthma
Infants may develop respiratory symptoms as a result of exposure to a specific type of fungal mold, called Penicillium. Signs that an infant may have mold-related respiratory problems include (but are not limited to) a persistent cough and/or wheeze. Increased exposure increases the probability of developing respiratory symptoms during their first year of life. Studies have shown that a correlation exists between the probability of developing asthma and increased exposure to Penicillium. The levels are deemed ‘no mold’ to ‘low level’, from ‘low’ to ‘intermediate’, and from ‘intermediate’ to ‘high’
Mold exposures have a variety of health effects depending on the person. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Exposure to mold can cause a number of health issues such as; throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases. Exposure to mold may also cause heightened sensitivity depending on the time and nature of exposure. People at higher risk for mold allergies are people with chronic lung illnesses, and weak immune systems, which can often result in more severe reactions when exposed to mold
There has been sufficient evidence that damp indoor environments are correlated with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, and wheezing in people with asthma.